“I’m working independently, nobody sponsors me financially to help with my LGBT activism. Here in Turkey it’s safer than Iran. In Iran I was worried each time I was leaving the house because of my appearance. Also here in turkey there is an Islamic atmosphere and Islamic culture in society, but it’s different. I feel safe here, I feel calmer, more relaxed, safer.” Arash says he was imprisoned in Iran due to his appearance and his LGBT activism. He fled to Turkey where he was accepted as a refugee by the UNHCR, and granted resettlement in California. He now lives in the USA. Photo by Bradley Secker

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